Gun



E. H. SMITH Oct. 5, 1937.

GUN

Filed July' 27, 1933 5 Sheets-Sheet l AceTYLENs N E 6 V: X o

H RT m N Z H a E M L E BY g @[M ATTORNEYS.

rrI11 IIIIIII E. H. SMITH Oct. 5, 1937.

GUN

Filed July 27, 1933 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 g H W m M W 7 1 N H, 5 3 5 k m M 8 w a 7 5 Q m H. w 4 4% R A EAT l l I 5 5 w M 9 2 7 E A W 4 5 4km a F Y 4 h 8 B w 5 i MW w 5/ w 9 7 V 7 W O x. M 5 s Mb, 0 3 w 9 5 4 5 4 4 ii w m 1 K M 6 w a i 8 x 1 I 4 9 I m w 4 r w 5 3 r H, 7 6 4 4 4 w 4 w 7 G 5, 937- I E. H. SMITH 2,094,854

GUN

Filed July 27, 1933 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. ELMER H.5MITH- ATTORN YS.

E. H. SMITH Oct. 5, 1937.

GUN

Filed July 27, 1933 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. MEH .SMITH a f Wow ATTORNEYS.

0d. 5, 1937. E. H. mm 2,094,354

' INVENTOR.

ELME H. 5M TH A TTORNEYS.

Patented ott. 5, 1931 4 I 2,094,854

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE GUN Elmer H. Smith, Minneapolis, Minn, assignor to I Smith Welding Equipment Corporation, Minneapolis, Minn., a corporation of Delaware Application July 27, 1933, Serial No. 682,455

14 Claims. (CI. 42-55) This invention relates to new and useful im- Other objects of the invention will appear from provements in guns, and more particularly to the following description and accompanying guns utilizing an explosive gas in lieu of powder to drawings and will be pointed out in the annexed charge the gun. claims.

This invention concerns itself more particu- In the accompanying drawings there has been larly with the provision of a gas-operated gun disclosed a structure designed to carry out the or cannon, which is particularly well adapted for various objects of the invention, but it is to be use as a noise maker and, when in action, simuunderstood that the invention is not confined to lates an ordinary machine gun. While it is prlthe exact features shown as various changes may marily designed for use as a noise maker, it may be made within the scope of the claims which '10 also be utilized for projecting small pellets or follow. objects at a target. The gun is desirably de- In the drawings: signed to simulate an army machine gun, and Figure l is a side elevational view, partially in because of its unique construction, may be opersection, to show the interior construction of the ated at a very small cost as compared to an orgun and showing it mounted upon a suitable tri- 15 dinary army machine gun using blank cartridges. pod;

It has therefore found a place in army and navy Figure 2 is a detail plan view of the valve cantonmcnts, as a substitute for the usual mastructure'ior admitting the gaseous fluids into chine gun, during troop maneuvers and in sham the mixing and explosion chambers;

battles. The gun fires with considerable vio- Figure 3 is an enlarged detail sectional view of 20 lence and. thus make a very loud report, whereby the tip of the gun barrel, showing an ignition it provides a very practical device for Fourth of means; t

July and other celebrations. It may also be used Figure 4 is a e d' e ail Sec ional View on naval vessels for signalling purposes, when on the line 4-4 of Figure 2, showing the oxygen traveling through dense fogs, because of its abilcontrol valve; 25 ity to continue to fire in rapid succession for a Figure 5 is a similar view on the line 55 of considerable length of time. Figure 2, showing the acetylene control valve and An object of the invention, therefore, is to proalso the needle valve for regulating the supply vide a simple gas-operated gun or cannon utilof fuel to the ignition pilot light;

izing a highly explosive gaseous mixture for Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view on the line 30 charging it; which is designed to make a very 6--6 of Figure 1, showing the means for actuatloud report when fired; which may be operated ing the'oxygen and acetylene control valves, and at small cost; which may be adjusted and set to also showing the means for automatically inautomatically fire a large number of shots in creasing the supply of fuel gas to the pilot light rapid succession; and, which is extremely simple each time the trigger is actuated to fire the gun; 3

and safe to operate. Figure 7 is a sectional plan view on the line A further object is to provide an improved gasl'l of Figure 1, showing the mixing c amber; operated gun adapted to utilize a highly explosive Figure 8 is a side elevational view partially in gas consisting of measured quantities of acetylene section, showing a gun mounted upon suitable and oxygen. carrying wheels;

A further object is to provide a rapid firing Figure 9 is a front view of the gun shown in gas-operated gun which is adapted for automatic Figure 8; operation, and having means whereby the num- Figure 10 is a sectional view substantially on ber of shots fired per minute may be varied. the line IO-l0 of Figure w g the valve Other objects of the invention reside in the actuating mechanism; 45 simple and inexpensive construction of the gun; Figure 11 is a longitudinal sectional view on in the means for controlling the deliveries of the line |IH of Figure 10; acetylene and oxygen to the mixing chamber; in Figure 12 is an enlarged detail sectional view the novel arrangement and construction of the on the line l2--l2 of Figure 10; and i ignition means; in the means provided for cool- Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view on the line 50 ing the walls of the explosion chamber whereby |3|3 of Figure 12. the gun may be operated for long periods with- The novel gun disclosed in Figure 1 is shown out overheating; and, in the portability of the comprising a supporting structure in the form of gun whereby it may be conveniently transported a tripod 2 having legs 3 pivotally connected to about from place to place. a member 4, which is bored to receive a rod or 55 shank 5 adjustably secured in the bore of the member 4 by a suitable wing nut 6. The rod 5 has a head 1, to ,which is pivotally connected a bracket 8 which supports a frame 9.

Upon the frame 9, there is supported a casing II which preferably is cylindrical in cross-section, and whose walls define a chamber I2 adapted to contain a suitable cooling fluid or liquid for purposes which will subsequently be stated. The casing I2 is provided with a suitable filler opening I3.

A tubular member I4 is shown positioned within the chamber I2 and provides the barrel of the gun. One end of said barrel projects through the end wall I5 of the casing I I and forms the tip of the gun barrel. A suitable cap"; is shown secured to the end of the barrel I4 and has a reduced aperture I1 therein through which the charge is fired, when the gaseous mixture within the barrel I4 is ignited. The walls of the barrel I4 cooperate to provide an explosion chamber I1 which communicates with a mixing chamber I8 provided in a connection I9, which connects one end of the barrel I4 to a head 2| secured in one end of a cylindrical member 22, as best shown in Figure 7. The opposite end of the cylindrical member 22 is suitably secured to a' fitting 23 provided with spaced extensions 24 and 25 to which are secured the ends of a pair of tubes 26 and 21, respectively.

The head 2| secured to the forward end of the cylindrical member 22 has a reduced portion 28 extending into the member 22 and provided with a threaded socket adapted to receive the threaded extension 29 of the connection I9. A small tube or pipe 3| has one end suitably secured to the reduced extension 28 of the head 2|, and has its opposite end suitably secured to the fitting 23, preferably by suitable threads whereby, when the fitting 23 is rotated relatively to the head 2 I, the cylindrical member 22 will be securely clamped between the head 2| and the fitting 23; as will readily be understood by reference to Figure 7.

The extension 2401? the fitting 23 has a passage 32 establishing communication between the tube 26 and the interior of the cylindrical member22. A similar passage 33 establishes communication between the tube 21 and the pipe 3| mounted within the cylindrical member 22. Within the threaded extension 29 of the connection I9, there is provided a tapered nozzle 34 having an aperture extending lengthwise therethrough, which communicates at one end with the interior of the pipe 3| and at its opposite end with a passage 35 within the connection I9 and which connects the passage 34 with the expansion chamber I8 provided in the connection I9. The interior of the cylindrical member 22 communicates with the passage 35 in the connection I9 by means of suitable apertures 36, provided in the wall of the extension 28, and an annular space or chamber 31 provided between the bore of the head 2| and the periphery of the extension 29, and suitable radially disposed ducts 38 which connect the annular passage 31 with a conically shaped gap or chamber 39, provided between the walls of the tip of the nozzle 34 and the tapered bore or cavity in which said tip is positioned, as clearly shown in Figure 7.

The tube 26 is connected to a suitable source of acetylene gas and the tube 21 to a supply of oxygen as will subsequently be described. -When acetylene gas is introduced into the cylindrical member 22 from the tube 26, it will flow through the radial ducts 36 in the walls of the extension 28 of the head 2|, and into the annular space or gap 31 and thence through the radial ducts 38, into the cone-shaped cavity provided between the tip of the nozzle 34 and the walls of the tapered bore provided in the member I9, from whence the acetylene will enter the passage 35 and is delivered into the expansion chamber IB. At the same time, oxygen is delivered into the pipe or tube 3| and flows through the nozzle 34 and into the passage 35 where it mixes with the acetylene to thereby provide a highly explosive mixture which, as it flows from the passage 35 into the relatively larger passage or expansion chamber I8, is further intermixed so that when subsequently discharged into the explosion chamber I1 of the barrel I4, it constitutes a highly explosive mixture which may be readily ignited, as will subsequently be described.

The means for controlling the supplies 'of acetylene and oxygen to the explosion chamber I1, shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6, comprises a suitable valve mechanism generally indicated by the numeral M in Figures 1 and 2. This valve mechanism comprises two separate valves 42 and 43' mounted in suitable casings 44 and 45, as best shown in Figure 6. The valve 42 has a stem 46 which is slidably'mounted in a guide provided in the casing 44, and in a suitable packing nut 41 secured to the lower portion of said casing. A spring 48 has one end seated against the upper end of the valve 44 and has its upper end seated against a cap 49 secured to the valve casing 44. The spring 48 constantly urges the valve 42 downwardly against its seat. The tube 26 has one end secured iii a socket provided in the valve casing 44 and communicates with a chamber 5| provided beneath the valve 42, by means of a fluid circulating passage 52, shown in dotted lines in-Figure 5. Acetylene gas is supplied to the valve chamber 50 by means of a passage 53 connecting it with a fluid circulating passage 54 provided in a member 55 to which the valve casing 44 is detachably secured by means of a flanged member 56 and a clamping nut 51. A suitable gasket 59 is provided between the adjacent surfaces of the flanged member 56 and threaded extension of the valve casing to provide a leak-proof connection between these parts. The member 55 has a threaded extension 6| at its lower end, to which may be coupled one end of a flexible hose 62, the opposite end of which is connected to a pressure regulator 63, of ordinary construction, mounted upon an acetylene supply tank 64.

The oxygen control valve 43 has a similar spring 48 constantly urging it downwardly against its seat, as shown in Figures 4 and 6. This spring is positioned within the valve chamber 50, which chamber is closed by means of a cap 49 similar to the one provided upon the valve casing 44. The tube 21 connected to the fitting 23 has one end suitably secured in a socket provided in the valve casing and communicates with a fluid chamber 65 by means of a fluid circulating duct 66, shown in Figure 4. Oxygen is supplied to the chamber of the oxygen control valve 43 by means of a duct 61 connecting it with a fluid circulating passage 68 provided in the member 55, as clearly shown in Figure 4. The valve casing 45 is secured to the member in a manner similar to that shown and described with reference to the acetylene control valve casing 44. A threaded extension 69', similar to the threaded extension 6|, is provided upon the member 55 in alinement with the fluid circulating passage 68,

and provides means whereby one end of a flexible connection H may be connected thereto, as shown in Figure 1. The opposite end of the connection H is coupled to a suitable pressure regulator 12, of ordinary construction, mounted upon the upper end of an oxygen supply tank 13. The member 55 is preferably shaped and positioned so as to provide a pistol grip whereby an operator may conveniently manipulate and operate the gun.

The means provided for opening the'acetylene and oxygen control valves 42 and 43, respectively, is best shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6, and comprises a member 14 having an elongated head'15 pivotally secured to the valve casings 44 and 45 by a suitable pin 16. The springs 48 of the control valves 42 and 43, as hereinbefore stated, normally hold the valves upon their respective seats, whereby one of said stems 46 may engage the head 15 of the pivoted member 14 to thereby retain it in substantially the position shown in Figure 4. When it is desired to open the valves to admit the fuel gases into the explosion chamber 11, the member 14, which functions as a trigger, is moved in a direction towards the grip member 55 whereby its head will engage and actuate the valve stems 46 of the two valves to unseat said valves and thereby permit gaseous flow through the valve structure 4|. The stem 46 of the acetylene valve 42 is preferably slightly longer than the stem 46 of the oxygen valve 43, whereby the acetylene control valve will be opened in advance of the oxygen valve 43. This is for the purpose of rendering the charge more readily ignitable, and whereby it will explodewith considerable violence when subsequently ignited. By regulating the pressures of the fuel gases in the flexible connections 62 and II by means of the pressure regulator valves 63 and 12, the supplies of fuel gases may be delivered to thecombustion or explosive chamber I! in measualed quantities, whereby the desired results may be obtained.

The means for igniting the charge delivered to the explosion chamber [1 is best shown in Figures 1, 3, 5, and 6, and comprises a pilot light, generally indicated by the numeral 11, shown composed of a cap 18 secured to the end of a fuel supply tube 19, having a small tip 8| mounted therein, which communicates with the tube 19. The cap 18 has a small orifice 82 through which acetylene is discharged from the tip 8|, as clearly illustrated in Figure 3. The tube '19 extends through the chamber [2 defined by the walls of the casing H and has its opposite end suitably connected to the valve casing 44 of the acetylene valve 43 by a suitable coupling'member 83, receivedin threaded engagement withan extension 84 provided upon the valve-casing 44. A fluid circulating passage 85 inthe valve casing 44 connects the tube 19 with a valve controlled passage 86 leading to the valve chamber 50 of the acetylene control valve 42, as best shown in Figure 5. A suitable valve 81 having a needle point- 88 is mounted in the valve casing 44 and provides means for regulatingthe flow of acetylene from the valve chamber 50 to the pipe or tube 19, as will readily be understood by reference to Figure 5. Operation of the acetylene control valve 42 does not effect the flow of acetylene through the fluid circulating passages 86 and 85, as will readily be understood by reference to Figure 5. The valve 81 merely regulates the size of the small pilot flame 90, shown in Figure 3.

To facilitate igniting the charge, means is provided for extending or enlarging the pilot flame 90, as indicated by the dotted lines 91 in Figure 3, each time the trigger member 14 is actuated to fire the gun. Such means resides in the provision of an auxiliary valve 10 Whose needle point 28 controls the flow of acetylene through a passage 30, which connects the pipe 19 with the chamber 5| beneath the acetylene control valve 42, as clearly shown in Figures 5 and 6. The auxiliary valve lO-is normally open, when the gun is operated, whereby each time the control valves 42 and 43 are opened by manipulation of the trigger member 14, an additional supply of acetylene Will automatically be supplied to the pilot light Tl, whereby the flame will-be extended or en'- larged, as indicated by thedotted lines in Figure 3. This results becauseof the passage 30 of the auxiliary valve ll] being connected to the chamber 5|, below the acetylene control valve 42, and not to the valve chamber 50 thereof, as is the pilot flame control valve 81.

An auxiliary ignition means may be provided at the tip of the barrel l4 within the cap I6, as.

clearly illustrated in Figure 3. This auxiliary ignition means may consist of a suitable coil of nichrome wire supported at the discharge end of thegun barrel I4. When the gun has been fired in rapid succession a few times, the ignition element or wire 89 will become heated to the extent that it will automatically continue to ignite the gaseous mixture discharged from the barrel is of the gun, after the firing operation has been initially started.

In the operation of the novel gun above described, the pilot light is initially ignited, and the pressure regulator valves 63 and 12 are then opened to permit the flow of acetylene and oxygen to the control valves42 and 43. The gun is then ready tooperate. The operator then grasps the grip provided by the members 55, and actuates the trigger member 14, whereupon measured quantities of acetylene and oxygen are delivered to the mixing chamber l8, from whence a gaseous mixture is discharged into the explosion chamber ll of the gun barrel l4. Simultaneously, as the control valves 42 and 43 are opened, the flow of acetylene to the pilot light Tl will be increased, whereby the pi1ot' fla'me 90 will be enlarged or extended, as hereinbefore stated, to thereby readily ignite the gaseous mixture discharged from the tip of the gun'barrel, where-' upon the latter will backfire or explode in the chamber [1 with considerable violence and, at the same time, a flame will shoot outwardly from the discharge end of the barrel, as will readily be understood. When the trigger I4 is again actuated, another supply of gas will be delivered to the explosion chamber I! which will immediately become ignited when it reaches the discharge end of the barrel, as hereinbefore stated." If the gun is to be fired in rapid succession, the operator will merely hold the trigger in an operative position, whereby the valves 42 and 43 will be held open so that supplies of acetylene and oxygen are constantly being supplied to the explosion chamber l1. Following each explosion, the fresh gases delivered into the explosion chamber will travel forwardly towards the tip or discharge end thereof and, will thus purge said chamber, and when said fuel mixture reaches the discharge end of the barrel, it is again ignited and exploded. Thus, when the trigger is held in an operative positionto cause the valves 42 and 43 to remain open, the gun will automatically continue to fire in rapid succession, as long as the fuel mixture continues to fiow into the.

connecting the valves to the supplies of acetylene and oxygen, the number of shots per minute may be varied at will, which has been found a very desirable feature. As hereinbefore stated, when the gun has been initially started, the auxiliary igniter 89 will become heated to the extent that it will automatically ignite the gaseous mixture delivered into the chamber I1 each time it approaches the discharge end of the gun barrel, whereby the gun will continue to fire automatically in rapid succession as long as the trigger 14 is retained in operative position.

The chamber I2 defined by the walls of the casing I I may contain a suitable cooling medium such as water to prevent overheating of the walls of the explosion chamber, I1, whereby the gun may be operated for long periods without interruption.

Figures 8 to 12, inclusive, illustrate a structure of slightly modified construction wherein a. gun is mounted upon a pair of wheels. and simulates a cannon. The gun comprises an explosionchamber 92 defined by the walls of a cylindrical member 93 having a head 94 secured to one end thereof. The member 93 is shown supported within a casing 95 which is relatively larger in diameter to provide a water chamber 96. The member 93 is suitably supported in apertures provided in the end walls of the casing 95, and is preferably welded thereto in leak-proof relation. The casing is provided with a suitable filler opening 91.

The forward end of the cylindrical member or gun barrel 93 projects beyond the front end wall of the casing 95 and is shown having a suitable spark plug 98 mounted thereon, the electrodes of which are positioned within the cham' ber 92, as clearly shown in Figure 11. 'A. relatively larger cylindrical member 99 is fitted to the forward end of the tubular member 93 and may function as a holder for pellets or objects to be projected by the gun such. for example, as wads of paper or other soft articles.

The casing 95 is supported upon a bracket IOI secured to a longitudinally extending frame member I02, shown provided at its intermediate portion with depending lugs I03 pivotally connected to a pair of upright supporting rods I04 which, in turn, are suitably secured to an axle I05 supported on carrying wheels I06. A suitable sleeve member I06 is interposed between the lugs I03 and is secured thereto by such means as welding. A suitable rod or bolt I01 passes through the sleeve I06 and apertured hubs provided at the upper ends of the supporting rods I04. Suitable nuts I are received in threaded engagement with the rod to secure said parts together. By thus supporting the gun upon the truck comprising the axle I and the wheels I06, the gun may readily be tilted to an inclined position in either directionby simply loosening one of the nuts I00 securing the rod I01 in position.

The means interposed between the gun barrel 93 and the valve mechanism for controllingthe flow of gases thereto, indicated generally by the numeral H0 in Figures 10 and 11, are similar to the coresponding parts of the gun shown in Figure 1, and will therefore be referred to by like numerals. i

As shown in Figures '10 and 11, the tubular member I9 has its forward end received in threaded engagement with the head 94 of the barrel 93, and communicates with the explosion chamber 92. The opposite end of the member apparatus, as shown in Figure 8.

I9 is received in threaded engagement with the cap 2 I which is secured to one end of the cylindrical member 22, and to the opposite end-of the member 22 is secured the fitting 23. The tubes 26 and 21 connect the fitting 23 to the valve mechanism H0. The interior constructions of the parts I9, 2I, 22, and 23 are clearly shown in Figure '1. 1

The valve mechanism H0 for controlling the supply of acetylene and oxygento the tubes 26 and 21,-is best shown in Figures 10, 11, and 12 and comprises a valve body I08 supported upon a bracket I09 secured to the base member I02 by I08. Each valve I I2 is mounted in a valve chamber H1, the lower ends of which are closed by suitable nuts H8, each bored to receive the lower ends of suitable compression springs H9, the upper ends of which are seated against the valves I I2 to thereby constantly urge them into engagement with their respective seats, as clearly illustrated in Figure 12. r a

Suitable ducts I2| connect the pipes 26 and 21 with chambers I provided over the valves H2, and other ducts I connect the valve chambers H1 to a pairof supply conduits I22 and I23 connected respectively to supply tanks I24 and I25 supported within the body of thetruck, indicated generally by the numeral I26 in Figure 8. The tank I24 supplies acetylene gas to the conduit I22 and in like manner, the tank I25 supplies oxygen to the conduit I23, as clearly illustrated in Figure 8. Suitablepressure regulator valves I21 are provided in theconnections between the conduits I22v and I23 in their respective tanks I24 and I25, whereby the pressure of the fluid supplied tothe conduits I22 and I23 may be regulated at will. Thetanks I24 and I25 may. be conveniently stored ingthe body I26 of the apparatus, as clearly indicated in Figure 8. One end ofthebody I26 of the truck is shown supported upon a suitable caster I28. A suitable draft member or tongue I29 may be secured to the frame of the caster wheel I28, by which the apparatus may be propelled.

The spark plug 98 for igniting the charge, may be operated from an ordinary storage battery I3I, supported within the body I26 of the A conductor I32 leads from one terminal of the storage battery I3I to one side of a high tension coil I33 shown supported upon the frame member I02. A wire I34 connects the other terminal of the coil I33 to the spark plug 98. The spark plug. may be grounded in-the usual manner. A second wire I35 connects the other terminal of the storage battery to a flexible contact member I36 supported upon an upright frame member I31 secured to thelower horizontal frame I02.

A movable contact I38, here shownas comprising the head of a set screw received in threaded engagement with a collar MI is adjustably secured to a shaft I39, mounted for rotation in suitable ,bearings provided in the upright posts I 31,

as shown in FigureslO and 11. The collar MI is secured to the shaft I39 adjacent to one of the bearings I31, and a similar collar I42 is secured to the shaft adjacent its opposite end in close proximity to the opposite bearing I31, whereby the collars MI and I42 prevent longitudinal movement of the shaft I39. A suitable balance wheel I43 is shown secured to one end of the shaft I39 and has an operating crank I44 to facilitate rotating the shaft.

A cam I45 is secured to the shaft I39 and operates the actuator II to open and close the valves II 2, when the shaft I 39 is rotated. For each revolution of the shaft I39, the valves II2 will be opened to permit the flow of acetylene and oxygen to the mixing chamber 35, from whence it will flow through the expansion chamber I8 and into the explosion chamber 92. During rotation of the shaft I39, the contactscrew I38 will engage the flexible contact I36, whereby a circuit is completed to the spark plug 98, which will ignite the charge in the chamber 92 and cause it to explode with considerable violence. The valves II2 are held open for substantially 180 travel of the shaft I39, as will be clearly understood by reference to Figure 11, and the contact screw I38 is so positioned upon the shaft with respect to the cam that it will engage the flexible contact I36 and cause the spark plug to function at substantially the same time as the valves are closed. It will thus be seen that as long as the shaft I39 is rotated, the gun will continue to fire in rapid succession.

The supply of acetylene and oxygen to the explosion chamber 92 is controlled by the regulator valves I2'I of the tanks I24 and I25, in a manner similar to the structure shown in Figure 1. In other words, if the regulator valves I 21 of the storage tanks I24 and I25 are operated to increase the pressure in the flexible conduits I22 and I23, the gaseous mixture will be delivered to the explosion chamber more rapidly than it will if the gun is operated with low pressure, whereby the number of shots per minute will be increased.

A suitable switch, not shown, may be provided in the ignition circuit, whereby the circuit may be opened to prevent accidental discharging of the gun, should the contact screw I38 accidentally engage the flexible contact I36. Suitable means, such as a chain I46 may be provided for locking the wheel I43 against rotation when the apparatus is in transit, and whereby the cam I45 may be locked in its inoperative position shown in Figure 11, to thereby prevent accidental opening of the valves I I2. Such a chain is shown in Figure 8 and may have one end secured to the frame of the, apparatus, as indicated at I41, and provided at its opposite end with a pin I48 adapted to be inserted through an aperture in the rim of the wheel, and into the frame I31, as shown in Figure 9.

A suitable housing I49 is secured to the base member I02 and provides a closure for the mechanism, as clearly illustrated in Figure 8. The front wall I5I of the housing I49 is apertured to receive the cylindrical extension 99 of the gun barrel 93. A suitable U-shaped rod I52 may be secured to the housing I49, as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, for the purpose of supporting a banner or other article.

The novel gun herein disclosed has been found very practical in army maneuvers primarily because of its inexpensive operation. It may be designed to simulate in detail an army machine gun or cannon and, when mounted as shown in Figs ures 8 and 9, may readily be moved about from place to place in the'same manner as an ordinary army gun. An important feature of the invention resides in the fact that the number of shots fired per minute may be varied by the simple manipulation of the regulator valves I2I of the gas storage tanks I 24 and I25.

The portable gun shown in Figure 1 is adapted for automatic operation and when initially started, will continue to fire automatically in rapid succession as long as the trigger I4 is held in operative position. The speed at which the gun may be fired may be controlled entirely by me.- nipulation of the pressure regulator valves 63 and I2, of the acetylene and oxygen storage tanks 64 and I3. In the form shown in Figure 8, the speed of the gun is controlled by rotation of the shaft I39 which, in the present instance, is adapted for manual operation. Suitable mechanism, not shown, may be provided for automatically rotating the shaft.

If desired, the gun illustrated in Figures 8 to 12, inclusive, may be provided with an ignition means 89, similar to that shown and described with reference to the previous figures.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a gas operated gun, a barrel having an explosion chamber therein, pressure means for supplying an explosive gas thereto, a springactuated valve for controlling the delivery of gas to the explosion chamber, said valve, when open, permitting uninterrupted gas flow to said chamber, an igniter at the discharge end of the gun barrel comprising a small flame adapted to be projected to ignite the gas discharging from the end of the barrel, thereby to cause the gun to fire, and the gas supply means for said igniter being operatively connected to said spring-operated valve, whereby each time the latter is operated, the igniter flame is extended.

2. In a gas operated gun, an explosion chamber, a mixing chamber connected thereto, pressure means for supplying acetylene and oxygen to said mixing chamber in measured quantities to provide an explosive charge, ignition means, valves for controlling the delivery of acetylene and oxygen to the mixing chamber and each having a valve stem, and a single member for successively operating said valves and, at the same time, operating the ignition means to fire the gun.

3. In a gas operated gun, a barrel having an explosion chamber therein, pressure means for supplying a plurality of different gases to said explosion chamber in measured quantities to provide an explosive charge, a pilot flame for igniting the charge, and means movable independently of the barrel for controlling the supply of gas to the explosion chamber and the opera.- tion of said ignition means.

4. In a gas operated gun, a barrel having an explosion chamber therein, a mixing chamber connected to the barrel, means for delivering acetylene and oxygen to said mixing chamber'at predetermined pressures to provide an explosive charge and from which mixing chamber the charge will flow into the explosion chamber, a. gas pilot flame adjacent the discharge end of the barrel, and a rotatable member for controlling the delivery of acetylene and oxygen to the mixing chamber, said member also operating to expand said pilot flame into the path of the explosive charge discharging from said barrel, whereby said charge is ignited.

5. In a rapid firing gun, an explosion chamber,

' a mixing chamber connected thereto, conduits a'tion of said'ignition means, whereby when the member is, operated to retain the valves in open position, a gaseous mixture will be continuously delivered into the explosion chamber whereby the gun will continue to fire in rapid succession.

6, In a rapid firing gun, a barrel having :an explosion chamber therein, a mixing chamber 7 connected to the explosion chamber, conduits connecting saidmixing chamber with'supplies of acetylene and oxygen under pressura'normally closed valves in said. conduits, a single member for opening said va1ves,-first one andthen the fother, thereby to permit acetylene and oxygen to.

' enter said mixingflchamberin predetermined proportions, and, an ignition means comprising a gas pilot flame situated at the discharge endof the barrel and connected to oneoi said valves, whereby when said valves; areopiened to :permit' I an explosive charge to enter'th'e explosion-chamher, said pilot willbe operated to project a flame mixture discharg'. I I

' plosive charge thereto,.eomprising a body having a pair of valves mounted therein-and each having a valve stem; projecting from said body; a -pivoted member engaging said valve; stems, ig- I nition means, andan operating mechanismifor actuating said valves and ignition means, comprising a shaft havingacamthereon forengaging therefrom to'ignite the gaseous ing from the'g'un barrel.

7, In a gas 'operatedgum'a chamber, means for supplying regulated quanti ties of acetylene and oxygen to said valve rnechae nism, a member for actuating said valve mecha:-'

' nism, .a shaft having a cam thereon adapted to engage said memben'when the: shaft is rotated, to thereby alternately open and close saidvalve mechanism, and an ignition means also associated with said shaft and adapted to be operated by rotation thereof, said ignition means being timed to the operation of said valve mechanism whereby each time the valve is operated to admit a charge of acetylene and oxygen into said explosion chamber, said ignition means will ignite said charge and fire the gun.

8. A gun of the class described, comprising an explosion chamber having a mixing chamber communicating therewith, means for supplying measured quantities of acetylene and oxygen to the mixing chamber to provide an explosive charge, a

valve mechanism for controlling the supply of acetylene and oxygen to the mixing chamber comprising a body having a pair of valves mounted therein and each provided with a valve stem,amemberpositioned to engage said valve stems and which, when operated, will cause the acetylene valve to open slightly in advance of the oxygen valve, whereby the charge is rendered more readily ignitable, and means made operable by the valve mechanism for igniting the charge delivered to the explosion chamber.

barrel having an explosion chamber communicating, therewith, a valve mechanism connected to said explosion:

I 9. "A gun of the class described, comprising an explosion chamber having a mixing chamber -communicating therewith, means for supplying acetylene and oxygen to. the mixing chamber in measured quantities to provide an explosive explosion chamber,means for delivering an explosive charge thereto, comprising a valve mechanism, a shaft, a cam operatively connected to the 1 'shaft for actuating thevalve mechanism,and ig- I nition means controlled by manipulation of said shaft to therebyignite the charge in the ex i plosion chamber.

' 11. A g'un'oftlre class described, comprising an plosive charge thereto, comprising a valve mechaa a whereby the gun maybe fired in: rapid succession 124A gun of: the class described, comprising an explosion chamber, means ,for'delivering an exsaid pivoted member. I

plosive gaseous mixture into said chamber, a controllable igniter, and an auxiliary ignition means comprising an element positioned at the discharge end of the explosion chamber which when heated by the products of combustion, will subsequently automatically ignite successive charges delivered to the explosion chamber, whereby the gun may be automatically fired in rapid succession.

14. A gun of the class described, comprising an explosion chamber, means for delivering an explosive gaseous mixture into said chamber, a main igniter for igniting the charge initially delivered to the explosion chamber, and an auxiliary igniter comprising a coiled element movably supported at the discharge end of the explosion chamber which when heated by the products of combustion, will subsequently ignite successive charges delivered to the explosion chamber, whereby the gun may be automatically fired in rapid succession Without manipulation of said main igniter.

ELMER H. SMITH.

' nism including abody having a plurality of valves: therein, and each valve having a stem projecting I I C 13. Agun of theclassdescribed, comprising an explosion chamber, means. for delivering an ex-, 4

20 explosion; chamber, means for delivering an exe I 

